Look Up!

Earlier this week I went hiking along the Blue Ridge. The trail started in a wooded area right off the road and quickly made a steep descent. In order to keep my footing and avoid snakes and other critters, my eyes were focused on the path right in front of me. After about 10 or 15 minutes of hiking, I happened to look up and over to the right. There was a perfect view of a full mountain range. In my focus to keep on track, I was missing out on the breathtaking view.

As I continued walking I began thinking about how easy it is to get so focused on the path or our next step that we miss the bigger purpose. That day, my purpose of hiking was not to just take a challenging walk; it was to enjoy a beautiful spring day. Without meaning to, I had put my attention on the hiking instead of the enjoying. And unfortunately, it is not just when I am hiking that my attention is misplaced. Too many days I find myself focused on what I am doing – the tasks, the daily decisions, and future planning while missing out on my real purpose.

Just like on my hike I needed to look up to see the mountain view, in our everyday lives we have to keep our eyes up too. Looking up reminds us that ultimately our purpose is much bigger than we are. It is not found in ourselves, what we do, or how successful we are. It is not found in what others say about us, where we live, or how much we accomplish. Our purpose comes from God, and it can only be found when we are focused on Him.

Listen to how the Bible reminds us of this very thing: “So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that’s where the action is. See things from His perspective.” (Colossians 3:1-2 The Message)

If you are like me, you constantly need that reminder – look up! Looking up puts everything into focus. Looking up reminds me of how big God is and gives me a new perspective to face my challenges. It allows me to quit being so caught up in the day to day and instead see the beautiful landscape of God’s greatness.

What about you? Do you need a new perspective? Look up! God is right there, ready and waiting for you.

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I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NASB

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.
Isaiah 40:28-29 NASB